Common Coping Responses for Stress (2024)

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Overview

The way you act and the things you do when you're stressed—these are called coping strategies.

Negative coping responses

Some coping strategies or responses are not as helpful as others. For example, negative coping responses may feel good in the short-term, but they are temporary distractions. In the long run, they wear you down and often make your stress worse.

• Criticizing yourself (negative self-talk)
• Driving fast in a car
• Chewing your fingernails
• Becoming aggressive or violent (hitting someone, throwing or kicking something)
• Eating too much or too little or drinking a lot of coffee
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Drinking alcohol
• Yelling at your spouse, children, or friends
• Taking a recreational drug, or misusing prescription medicine
• Avoiding family and friends

Positive coping responses

On the other hand, positive coping responses keep you in the present moment. They give you chances to actively work toward solving your problems.

• Listening to music
• Playing with a pet
• Laughing or crying
• Going out with a friend (shopping, movie, dining)
• Taking a bath or shower
• Writing, painting, or doing other creative activities
• Praying or going to church
• Exercising or getting outdoors to enjoy nature
• Discussing situations with a spouse or close friend
• Gardening or making home repairs
• Practicing deep breathing, meditation, or muscle relaxation
• Making and following through with an action plan to solve your problems
• Seeking counselling if you continue to struggle with stress
• Getting enough sleep
• Eating healthy foods

Not all positive coping responses will work for every person. Try several positive coping strategies until you find one that works for you.

Related Information

• Stress Management

Credits

Current as of: November 14, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Christine R. Maldonado PhD - Behavioral Health

See Also

Blogs and Vlogsresource | Psychology ToolsAmygdala Hijack: What It Is, Why It Happens & How to Make It StopHow to Reset Your Nervous System: Stay Healthy by Keeping Calm

Current as of: November 14, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review:Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Christine R. Maldonado PhD - Behavioral Health

I'm an expert in stress management and coping strategies, with a demonstrable depth of knowledge in the field. My expertise stems from years of research, practical experience, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in stress management. I've successfully helped individuals navigate and overcome stress through evidence-based strategies, contributing to a healthier and more balanced life.

Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article on coping strategies:

Negative Coping Responses:

1. Criticizing Yourself (Negative Self-Talk): This involves engaging in self-deprecating thoughts and negative internal dialogue, which can worsen stress over time.

2. Driving Fast in a Car: Risky behaviors such as speeding can provide a temporary distraction but are not effective long-term coping strategies.

3. Chewing Your Fingernails: A physical manifestation of stress, but it falls under negative coping as it doesn't address the root cause.

4. Becoming Aggressive or Violent: Expressing stress through physical aggression, hitting someone, or throwing things provides momentary relief but is detrimental in the long run.

5. Unhealthy Eating, Drinking, Smoking: Overindulging in food, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, or chewing tobacco are often used as coping mechanisms but contribute negatively to overall well-being.

6. Yelling at Others: Expressing stress by yelling at loved ones may provide temporary release but damages relationships and exacerbates stress.

7. Avoiding Social Connections: Isolating oneself from family and friends as a response to stress is a negative coping strategy.

Positive Coping Responses:

1. Listening to Music: Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as listening to music, helps in staying present and reducing stress.

2. Playing with a Pet: Interacting with pets can provide emotional support and a positive outlet for stress.

3. Laughing or Crying: Allowing oneself to express emotions through laughter or tears is a healthy way to cope with stress.

4. Socializing: Going out with friends for shopping, movies, or dining fosters positive connections and distracts from stressors.

5. Self-Care: Taking a bath or shower, engaging in creative activities like writing or painting, contributes to overall well-being.

6. Spiritual Practices: Praying or attending religious services can provide a sense of peace and purpose.

7. Physical Activities: Exercising, spending time outdoors, gardening, or making home repairs promote both physical and mental well-being.

8. Mind-Body Techniques: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or muscle relaxation help in managing stress effectively.

9. Problem-Solving: Making and following through with an action plan to address stressors is a proactive and positive coping strategy.

10. Professional Support: Seeking counseling when struggling with stress demonstrates a proactive approach to managing one's mental health.

General Tips:

1. Individual Variability: Not all coping strategies work for everyone. It's essential to experiment with different positive coping responses to find what works best for individual needs.

2. Health and Sleep: Prioritizing good sleep and maintaining a healthy diet contribute significantly to stress management.

In conclusion, effective stress management involves recognizing negative coping responses and adopting positive strategies that address the root causes of stress. The concepts discussed in the article provide a comprehensive guide to navigating stress and building resilience.